Filter-tipped cigarette

ABSTRACT

A filter-tipped cigarette comprises tobacco core  1  contained in casing  3 , and filter  2 , the filter having first filtering member  4  connected by its one end to tobacco core  1 , and a second filtering member provided within first filtering member  4 . The second filtering member comprises a distributed system of water-resistant casings having a liquid nucleus, the casings being in the form of tubular capsules  6  and/or ampoule-type capsules  7 , which capsules  6, 7  are caused to rupture upon mechanical force is exerted externally thereon. The second filtering member has a volume within the range from 3 to 75 percent by volume of the volume of the first filtering member. The filter-tipped cigarette provides high-quality tobacco smoke cleaning along with enabling the smoker to vary the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning and simultaneously flavor tobacco smoke.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Eurasian patent application numberEA 200501915/26, filed Nov. 29, 2005, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of tobacco industry,particularly, to a filter-tipped cigarette.

The present invention is suitable for production of filter-tippedcigarettes with reduced content of human health-detrimental substancesin tobacco smoke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tobacco smoke is known to contain toxic and mutagenic compounds leadingto various smokers' diseases. One of the possible ways to lower thecontent of harmful substances in tobacco smoke entering the respiratorytract of a smoker is to use filters forming part of the cigarette andmounted between the lighted tobacco core and the smoker's oral cavity.

As a rule, cigarette filters are made of acetyl cellulose with activatedcharcoal added thereto. However, such filters are able only to reducepartially the amount of toxic and mutagenic compounds entering thesmoker's body. Besides, conventional filters disadvantageously result inremoval of aromatic compounds, thereby making such cigarettes lessattractive for smokers.

Therefore, a need exists in an improved filter for a smoking material,able to remove more efficiently toxic and mutagenic compounds fromtobacco smoke. Moreover, a need exists in an improved filter enablingaromatic compounds to pass through while substantially removing toxicand mutagenic compounds from tobacco smoke.

One of the possible ways to reduce the content of harmful substances intobacco smoke inhaled by a smoker is to humidify tobacco smoke. As arule, humidifier is dispersed in the porous filter base to absorbmoisture contaminated with harmful substances from tobacco smoke,thereby ensuring wet filtering of tobacco smoke.

According to other embodiments of the cigarette filter, tobaccomoisturizing liquid is contained in a waterproof capsule inside thefilter. In this case, liquid is released from the capsule by the userwhile smoking.

Furthermore, it is an important object to provide a filter eitherenabling the aromatic substances contained in tobacco to passtherethrough or causing such substances to directly generate within suchfilter.

A cigarette filter is known comprising microcapsules (RU 2156099 C2),said filter having a porous substrate with said microcapsules dispersedtherein, said microcapsules containing a humectant, for example, sodiumpyroglumate.

A humectant is able to absorb moisture contaminated with harmfulsubstances from tobacco smoke and release the same into the poroussubstrate so that moisture contained in tobacco smoke passing throughthe filter is filtered.

A filter for a tobacco product is known (U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,722 B2 andUS 2004/0074507 A1) comprising a filtering material and a capsule with adeodorant substance improving the smoky odor, said capsule being made ofa material resistant to fracture as cigarettes are taken out of the packand caused to fracture upon certain force is exerted thereon to releasesaid deodorant substance. Said capsule has a spherical or cylindricalshape oriented along the filter axis, and is mounted substantially inthe filter central portion.

The above referenced filter for a tobacco product has a limitedfunctionality since the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning remainspractically at the level achieved with the use of a conventional tobaccofilter.

A filter-tipped cigarette is known (US 2004/0261807 Al) comprising atleast one rupturable capsule mounted in the filter and comprising aliquid nucleus. Said rupturable capsule is made of gelatin and saidliquid nucleus comprises at least one diluter and an aromatic substanceable to alter the odor of smoke inhaled by the smoker.

A water filter-tipped cigarette is known from the art (U.S. Pat. No.5,549,124) regarded as a prototype, comprising a tobacco core containedin a wrapper and a filter having a first filtering member connected toone of said tobacco core end faces, said filtering member comprising afilament tow formed by a filter material, and a second filtering memberprovided within said first filtering member and having at least onetight casing having a liquid nucleus. Distilled water is used as saidliquid nucleus.

While smoking of a cigarette provided with the above filter the smokercauses the capsule to break by applying finger pressure to the markedpoint in the filter. In doing so, water is released from the nucleus tomoisturize and soften the tobacco portion in close proximity to thefilter, thereby enabling wet filtering of tobacco smoke.

The disadvantage of the prior art solution consists in actuallynon-controllable time change of the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning(dilution) as the tobacco product is consumed by the smoker, which iscaused by a continuous drop in resistance to the flow of tobacco smokeowing to thermal decomposition (“smoking”) of the tobacco core,resulting in shortening of the same (and consequently drop in dynamicresistance to the flow of tobacco smoke passing through the tobaccocore), with the resistance to the air flow through the perforation ofthe filter air ventilation remaining unchanged.

Since a single capsule with water is used in the above described filter,it appears impossible either to vary the efficiency of tobacco smokecleaning or to aromatize tobacco smoke.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the main object of the present invention to improve the efficiencyof tobacco smoke cleaning.

It is another object of the invention to provide variable efficiency oftobacco smoke cleaning.

It is still another object of the invention to provide variable tobaccosmoke flavoring.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide variableefficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning along with tobacco smoke flavoring.

To achieve the above objects of the invention a filter-tipped cigaretteis provided, said cigarette comprising a tobacco core contained in awrapper and a filter having a first filtering member connected by itsproximal end to said tobacco core and comprising a filament tow formedby a filter material, and a second filtering member provided within saidfirst filtering member and having at least one tight casing having aliquid nucleus, said second filtering member comprising a distributedsystem of moisture-resistant casings in the form of tubular and/orampoule-type capsules, which capsules are caused to rupture uponmechanical force is exerted externally thereon, and said secondfiltering member volume being within the range from 3 to 75 percent byvolume of said first filtering member volume.

Advantageously, said tubular and/or ampoule-type capsules contain waterand/or aromatic substance as a liquid nucleus.

Preferably, the content of said aromatic substance in the capsules iswithin the range from 40 to 98 percent by volume, and the content ofwater in the capsules is within the range from 32 to 98 percent byvolume.

Advantageously, said second filtering member comprises at least oneampoule-type capsule and at least one tubular capsule, said tubularcapsule being arranged coaxially with the filter, and said ampoule-typecapsule being arranged along the filter axis in the area where saidtubular capsule is arranged.

Advantageously, said second filtering member comprises at least oneampoule-type capsule and at least one tubular capsule, which capsulesare displaced relative to each other along the filter axis such that oneof said capsules is provided adjacent to the filter proximal endconnected to the tobacco core, and the other capsule is providedadjacent to the opposite filter end.

It is structurally advantageous that said tubular capsule has the lengthof 11 to 89% of the filter length.

Advantageously, said second filtering member comprises a system ofampoule-type capsules having different volume and arranged along thefilter axis such that said ampoule-type capsule volumes vary indecreasing order from the proximal filter end connected to the tobaccocore towards the opposite filter end.

Preferably, said second filter member comprises a system of tubularcapsules having different flow section and arranged along the filteraxis such that said tubular capsule flow section varies in decreasingorder from the proximal filter end connected to the tobacco core towardsthe opposite filter end.

Advantageously, the ratio between the number of tubular capsules and thenumber of ampoule-type capsules is within the range from 1:1 to 1:10.

Preferably, the ratio between the total volume of tubular capsules andthe total volume of ampoule-type capsules is within the range from 0.05to 14.

Advantageously, the increment of said tubular capsule volume or saidampoule-type capsule volume is within the range from 5 to 25%.

It is structurally advantageous that the outer and/or inner side of eachampoule-type and/or tubular capsule is provided with at least onenotching to enable unsealing of the capsule upon mechanical forcevarying from 20 to 95 grams is exerted externally thereon.

Advantageously, the filter outer surface is provided with at least onemarker to indicate the position of said ampoule-type and/or tubularcapsules.

Advantageously, the filter oral end is mated with a mouthpiece built inthe filter, said mouthpiece containing a catalyst, preferably containinga platinum-group metal and/or at least one cast, sintered or compositemagnet.

Advantageously, metal, polymer or ceramics is used as a material forampoule-type and/or tubular capsules.

Preferably, said metal is selected from the group consisting ofaluminum, tantalum, silver, gold, platinum.

Advantageously, said polymer is selected from the group consisting ofpolypropylene, polystyrene, low density polyethylene.

Preferably, said ceramics is selected from the group consisting offaience, porcelain, glass ceramics.

Said flavoring agent may contain water and a fragrance comprisingnatural flavors and/or flavors identical to natural flavors, in thefollowing wt. % ratio of components: natural flavors and/or flavorsidentical to natural flavors −3 to 78, water −22 to 97.

Advantageously, said flavors identical to natural flavors aresynthesized on the basis of alc-4Z-en-1-ols of the general formula:

where R═_(H-)C₆H₁₃, H—C₈H₁₇, H—C₉H₁₉

The filter-tipped cigarette according to the present invention enablesefficient removal of harmful substances contained in tobacco smoke andat the same time provides an opportunity for the user to vary theefficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning.

In cases where the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning and, hence, thefilter moisture content is to be varied, water is used as a liquidnucleus. In doing so, the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning isstabilized at the level selected by the smoker in the process ofsmoking.

Thus, by selecting particular areas to exert force on the filter casingsurface, the smoker may select knowingly the level of his or hersubjective organoleptic sensations produced by the smoking process.

If the smoker prefers to use cigarettes with a rich bouquet which he orshe may select, at least one aromatic substance is used as a liquidnucleus.

In most cases, smokers, which is particularly characteristic of femalesmokers, care for lowering the amount of toxic and mutagenic compoundsentering the body, and also prefer to inhale flavored tobacco smoke. Insuch cases, some of the capsules contain water as a liquid nucleus,while other capsules contain aromatic substance to enable combining offlavors and obtaining the desired result at the same time intended toimprove the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description of particular embodiments thereofmade with reference to the attached drawings.

The above and other features of the invention including various noveldetails of construction and combinations of parts, and other advantages,will now be more particularly described with reference to theaccompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will beunderstood that the particular method and device embodying the inventionare shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of theinvention. The principles and features of this invention may be employedin various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, reference characters refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarilyto scale; emphasis has instead been placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the invention. Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a partially broken-out sectional view of the filter-tippedcigarette according to the first embodiment of the invention, with oneampoule-type capsule and one tubular capsule;

FIG. 2 shows the filter-tipped cigarette according to the secondembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows the filter-tipped cigarette according to the thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along lines I-I in FIG. 1 and FIG.2;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along lines II-II in FIG. 1 and FIG.2;

FIG. 6 shows a scaled-up detail of the cross-sectional view along linesII-II;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view along lines III-III in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 shows the filter-tipped cigarette according to the invention,with four tubular capsules;

FIG. 9 shows the filter-tipped cigarette according to the invention,with two ampoule-type capsules and one tubular capsule;

FIG. 10 shows a scaled-up detail of the filtering member in drycondition;

FIG. 11 shows a scaled-up detail of the filtering member in wetcondition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The filter-tipped cigarette according to the present invention comprisestobacco core 1 (FIG. 1) and filter 2 contained in casing 3, said filterhaving first filtering member 4 connected by its proximal end to saidtobacco core 1 and comprising a filament tow formed by a filtermaterial. Filter 2 also has a second filtering member provided withinsaid first filtering member 4. Said second filtering member comprises adistributed system of moisture-resistant casings having liquid nucleus5, said casings being in the form of tubular capsules 6 and/orampoule-type capsules 7, which capsules 6, 7 are caused to rupture uponmechanical force F is exerted externally thereon. Said second filteringmember has a volume within the range from 3 to 75 percent by volume ofthe volume of said first filtering member 4. Water and/or aromaticsubstance is used as said liquid nucleus 5.

It should be noted that the term “tubular member” as used herein means ahollow piece having a side wall and any required form of section, inparticular, circular, rectangular, polygonal, oval or square.

Perforation 8 is provided in proximity to the connection of filter 2 totobacco core 1 for the purpose of air ventilation to enable the accepteddilution range of tobacco smoke flow inhaled by the smoke in the processof smoking with a portion of fresh air not containing tobacco smokecomponents.

Tobacco core 1 is made of compressed tobacco contained in a tubularwrapper to add the required strength to the cigarette, prevent tobaccofrom inadvertently falling to pieces and provide stabilized thermaldecomposition rate of tobacco. Smoking paper is used as said wrapper,preferably, containing 10 to 45 wt. % magnesium and/or magnesiumhydroxide, as well as flax, cellulose fiber and flammable inhibitors.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 the second filtering member ofthe cigarette has one ampoule-type capsule 7 and one tubular capsule 6,which capsules are displaced relative to each other along axis 9 offilter 2. As shown in FIG. 1, tubular capsule 6 is provided adjacent tothe proximal end of filter 2, connected to tobacco core 1, andampoule-type capsule 7 is provided adjacent to the opposite end offilter 2. As can be seen from FIG. 2, tubular capsule 6 is provided awayfrom tobacco filter 2. Said capsules 6, 7 contain deionized water ordistilled water or aromatic substance as liquid nucleus 5. Casing 3 offilter 2 is made of a water-resistant material, for example, isimpregnated from the inside with a thin layer of paraffin refined wax.

Tubular capsule 6 and ampoule-type capsule 7, respectively, are made ofa water-resistant material, with metal, polymer or ceramics beingsuitable as such material. Preferable metals include aluminum, tantalum,silver, gold or platinum; polypropylene, polystyrene or low densitypolyethylene are preferable polymers; preferable ceramics includesfaience, porcelain or glass ceramics.

While ampoule-type capsule 7 may be of a free form, ampoules with amaximum volume to surface area ratio are used preferably, for example,in the form of a globe or a cylinder, particularly, a cylinder with theconvex ends as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

Tubular capsule 6 may be of various cross sectional forms, particularly,circular, oval or square.

In accordance with the present invention tubular capsule 6 has thelength of 11 to 89% of filter 2 length depending on the amount of liquidrequired to solve a particular problem.

The ratio between the number of tubular capsules 6 and ampoule-typecapsules 7 is within the range from 1:1 to 1:10 depending on filter 2design features and material of which capsules 6, 7 are made.

In cases where efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning and, hence, thefilter moisture content is to be varied, water is used as a liquidnucleus. If the smoker prefers to use cigarettes with a rich bouquetwhich he or she may select, at least one aromatic substance is used as aliquid nucleus. In most cases, smokers, which is particularlycharacteristic of female smokers, care for lowering the amount of toxicand mutagenic compounds entering the body, and also prefer to inhaleflavored tobacco smoke. In such cases, some of the (tubular orampoule-type) capsules contain water as the liquid nucleus, while othercapsules contain aromatic substance to enable combining of flavors andobtaining of the desired result intended at the same time to improve theefficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning.

The cigarette oral end is provided with mouthpiece 10 connected tofilter 2, said mouthpiece comprising a body made of stiff material, forexample, plastic or heavyweight paper. Mouthpiece 10 body may beprovided with stiffening ribs 11 to additionally strengthen the same.Microparticles of a catalyst, preferably, finely dispersed platinum areapplied to the inner surface of said body and the surfaces of saidstiffening ribs 11.

Mouthpiece 10 built in filter 2 may comprise magnets (cast, sintered orcomposite, not shown) implanted in its structural members to enablestabilization thereof in the process of smoking as a result of becomingsaturated with ions and taking on the properties of conductivity.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the second filtering membercomprises one ampoule-type capsule 7 and one tubular capsule 6,respectively, with said tubular capsule 6 being arranged along filter 2longitudinal axis 9 coaxially with which said ampoule-type capsule 7 isarranged.

Cross-sectional views along lines I-I, II-II and III-III, respectively,are shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7 wherein embodiments of the inventionaccording to FIGS. 1 to 3 are illustrated. According to theseembodiments casing 3 of filter 2 is made water-resistant for whichpurpose it is impregnated with a thin layer of paraffin refined wax fromthe inside.

To position the sealing area of capsules 6, 7 on the outer and/or innerside of each tubular capsule 7 and/or ampoule-type capsule 6 at leastone notching 12 (FIG. 6) is provided, unsealable upon mechanical force Fvarying from 20 to 95 grams is exerted externally thereon (FIGS. 8, 9).

In cases where the capsule is made of a fragile material and more thanone notching is provided, the capsule is made unsealable upon theminimum force of 20 grams is exerted; whereas when the capsule is madeof a stronger elastic material, for example, gelatin and a singlenotching is provided therein, the capsule is made unsealable upon theforce of 95 grams is exerted.

Notching 12 provided in capsules 6, 7 may be of different forms. Forexample, in FIG. 6 possible modifications of notching in wall 13 ofcapsule 7 are shown conventionally: rectangular notching in the capsuleouter and inner sides, spherical notching in the capsule inner side,trapezoidal notching in the capsule outer side, triangular notching inthe capsule outer and inner sides.

Notching 12 parameters, preferably depth and area thereof, are selectedbased on notching 12 form accepted for technological reasons, locationthereof and properties of the material of which the capsule is made. Itshould be noted that notching 12 may be provided both in ampoule-typecapsule 7 and tubular capsule 6.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8 wherein saidsecond filtering member comprises a system of tubular capsules 6 havingdifferent flow section and arranged along filter 2 axis 9 such that saidtubular capsule 6 flow section varies in decreasing order from filter 2end connected to tobacco core 1 towards opposite filter 2 end. Thevolume increment of tubular capsules 6 is within the range from 5 to25%.

For user's convenience, the filter outer surface is provided with atleast one marker 14 to indicate the location of ampoule-type and/ortubular capsules 7, 6.

According to an alternative embodiment markers 14 on the surface offilter 2 may be provided with a pictogram corresponding to the type ofliquid contained in the capsule, namely, a water drop, an object whoseflavor is contained in the capsule, for example, rose, lily of thevalley, etc. Furthermore, marker 14 may indicate the tobacco core lengthcorresponding to the capsule to be unsealed when smoking a definedlength of the cigarette. For example, markers 14 may be provided withFIGS. 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 to indicate at what stage of smoking of thecigarette the respective capsule 6, 7 is to be unsealed.

At the same time, by selecting particular areas to exert force on thesurface of filter 2 casing, the smoker may knowingly select the level ofhis or her subjective organoleptic sensations produced by the smokingprocess and stabilize tobacco smoke cleaning at the level selected bythe smoker in the process of smoking.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 the secondfiltering member comprises a system of ampoule-type capsules 7 havingdifferent volume and arranged along filter 2 axis 9 such that saidcapsule 7 volumes vary in decreasing order from the filter 2 endconnected to the tobacco core 1 towards the opposite filter 2 end. Inthis embodiment, one ampoule-type capsule 7 having a greater volume isof a lenticular form, while the other ampoule-type capsule 7 is in theform of a cylinder with spherical end faces. The volume increment ofampoule-type capsules 7 is within the range from 5 to 25%.

In this embodiment tubular capsule 6 is of a toroidal form, having acircular cross section.

Such variety of forms of ampoule-type and tubular capsules 7, 6,respectively, enables to use the form easiest to manufacture, acceptablefor a particular user.

In the above embodiment of the invention one of the ampoule-typecapsules 7 and tubular capsule 6 may contain water as liquid nucleus 5,and the other ampoule-type capsule 7 may contain an aromatic substance.However, this is not the only possible embodiment which may be modifiedaccording to the particular requirements.

Details of first filtering member 4 are shown in FIGS. 10, 11 in “dry”and “wet” conditions which form after unsealing of at least one capsule6, 7. As seen from FIG. 11, thin film 17 of water released from capsule6, 7 liquid nucleus 5 is formed within interfibrillar space 15 betweenfiltering member 4 filaments 16 having typical diameter of 0.25 to 4 μm.Said water film 17 envelopes filtering member 4 filaments 16 ininterfibrillar space 15, thereby improving the filtration capacity ofthe latter.

According to the present invention at least a part of capsules 6, 7comprise an aromatic substance based on water and fragrances selectedfrom natural flavors and/or flavors identical to natural flavors, inparticular, in the following wt. % ratio of components: natural flavorsand/or flavors identical to natural flavors −3 to 78 wt. %, water −22 to97 wt. %.

Known sources of natural taste and flavor, for example, prepared fromthe extracts of strawflower, lime tree, lavender, sage and others; birchbuds, black currant, melissa, peppermint, rosemary and others; roots ofcommon valerian, ginger, flaxseed, wild eleutherococcus; orange, lemon,mandarin peels, cinnamon rind; dried apricot, cocoa, cardamom,raspberry, bitter almond, coriander, nutmeg, dill, fennel fruits, seeds,nuts or berries; fruit or berry wort, for example, apricot, quince,orange, cherry, strawberry, cranberry, ashberry, plum, apple and others.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, said flavors identical tonatural flavors are synthesized on the basis of alc-4Z-en-1-ols of thegeneral formula:

where R═_(H-)C₆H₁₃, H—C₈,H₁₇, H—C₉H₁₉

The cigarette according to the invention is used as a conventionalcigarette familiar to the smokers. At the same time, in order to improvethe efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning and stabilize the efficiency oftobacco smoke cleaning in the process of smoking at the level selectedby the smoker immediately before or in the process of smoking, thesmoker unseal at least one ampoule-type and/or tubular capsule.

These and other advantages of the present invention are illustrated bythe examples given below.

EXAMPLE 1

Forty cigarettes were used manufactured according to ISO 3402 (cigaretteweight 874±20 mg). Twenty cigarettes were kept as a reference batch, andtwo ampoule-type capsules in the form of a globe were put in each of theremaining twenty cigarettes. Thereafter, each cigarette was weighedagain. Said first ampoule-type capsule had a casing made of aluminumfoil, and said second ampoule-type capsule had silver foil casing. Adouble-sided notching was provided on the inner and the outer sides ofboth ampoule-type capsules. In said first capsule a rectangular notchingwas provided with the surface area of 1 mm 2, and a M-shaped notchingwas provided in said second capsule, with the surface area of 1.5 mm 2.A first filtering member in the thus modified filter amounted to about29% of its initial volume as determined by individual weighing of thefiltering material filaments removed by mechanical micromilling, withsaid filaments having the weight of 56 to 60 mg.

Then, a cigarette smoking mode was set using the automatic smokingmachine based on parameters according to ISO 4387 (inhalation volume 35ml, inhalation time 2 sec, interval between inhales 58 sec).Ampoule-type capsules were then unsealed simultaneously by exerting theforce of 50 grams on the tobacco filter. The water released from saidampoule-type capsules entered the air space between said first filteringmember filaments to fill the same, thereby improving the cigarettefilter filtration capacity.

Automatic smoking machine was then started. Used filters were weighedupon completion of thermal decomposition (“smoking”) of the tobaccocore. Tobacco smoke filtrate was subjected to quantitative assay whichshowed that the first filtering member weight increased by a valuewithin the range from 22 to 25 mg as a result of “smoking” of thefilter-tipped cigarette using the automatic smoking machine. The weightincrease was about 11.2% relative to the first filtering member basicweight which is 210 mg on average.

Therefore, efficiency of tobacco smoke filtration may be improveddirectly in the process of smoking at smoker's will by using twoampoule-type capsules.

To perform qualitative analysis of the filter composition combinedfilters which the automatic smoking machine used by “smoking” wereplaced for 24 hours in 135 ml of ethanol, the extract of which was thensubjected to spectral analysis. Results of the spectral analysis of thetobacco smoke filtrate extract according to the present invention aresummarized below.

Ethanol extract of the tobacco smoke filter was subjected to thespectral analysis which showed that said extract contained a wide rangeof the following tobacco smoke components: carbon monoxide, tobaccopyrolysis tar, cancerogenic minor components, tobacco-specificN-nitrocompounds, volatile-nitrocompounds, nicotine, 3,4-benzopyrene,acetic acid, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, radionuclides, heavy metals,halogens, nitrazoamine esters, ketones, aldehydes, amines and amides.

EXAMPLE 2

Thirty cigarettes were used, ten of which were kept as a control batch.

Ten cigarettes of the first batch were brought to conformity with theinventive filter design shown in FIG. 1, and the remaining tencigarettes of the second batch were brought to conformity with thefilter design shown in FIG. 2.

Cigarettes of the first batch were provided with a tubular capsulecontaining 40 percent by volume of a liquid flavoring agent in the formof a 60% ethanol-based extract containing fennel oil, said capsule beingmounted in the porous filtering member on the part of the filter endabutting on the tobacco core. An ampoule-type capsule containing 98percent by volume of deionized water was placed in the porous filteringmember on the part of the mouthpiece. A waterproof paper impregnatedfrom the inside with a thin layer of paraffin refined wax was used asthe filter casing.

Cigarettes of the second batch were provided with an ampoule-typecapsule containing 98 percent by volume of a liquid flavoring agent inthe form of a 15% ethanol-based extract containing mint oil, saidcapsule being axially mounted in the porous filtering member on the partof the filter end abutting on the tobacco core. Then, a tubular capsulecontaining 32 percent by volume of distilled water was placed in saidporous filtering member on the filter oral part. A waterproof papercoated from the inside with a fluoroplastic film was used as the filtercasing.

Thereafter, a mouthpiece was mounted underneath said filter casing, withabout 0.05 to 0.07 mg of catalyst in the form of platinum microparticlesbeing previously applied and fixedly attached to the central holder ofsaid mouthpiece.

Then, all cigarettes were smoked by a group of experts, each having atleast 18 years of tobacco smoking experience.

At first, five cigarettes of the control batch were smoked.

The ampoule-type capsule was unsealed in each first batch cigarettebefore smoking of the same, with the force of 95 grams exerted on thefilter locations. In doing so, the tubular capsules in only three firstbatch cigarettes were unsealed with the force of 25 grams exerted on thefilter casing. Half-length of each cigarette tobacco core having beensmoked, the remaining tubular capsules were unsealed with the force of25 grams exerted on the location thereof. Thereafter, these fivecigarettes were smoked to the end by the experts.

The tubular capsules of each of the remaining five cigarettes of thefirst batch were unsealed before smoking, whereafter half-length of thetobacco core was smoked, smoking was stopped and the ampoule-typecapsule was unsealed with the force of 95 grams exerted on the locationthereof. Thereafter, these five cigarettes were smoked to the end by theexperts.

Before smoking of the second batch cigarettes, one tubular capsule ineach cigarette was unsealed with the force of 60 grams exerted on thefilters at the location thereof. In doing so, the ampoule-type capsulesin only three second batch cigarettes were unsealed with the force of 60grams. Half-length of each cigarette tobacco core having been smoked,the remaining ampoule-type capsules were unsealed with the force of 60grams exerted on the location thereof. Thereafter, these five cigaretteswere smoked to the end by the experts.

The tubular capsules of each of the remaining five cigarettes of thesecond batch were unsealed before smoking with the force of 30 gramsexerted on the location thereof, whereafter half-length of the tobaccocore was smoked. Smoking was then stopped and the ampoule-type capsulewas unsealed with the force of 60 grams exerted on the location thereof.Thereafter, these five cigarettes were smoked to the end by the experts.

Finally, the remaining five cigarettes of the control batch were smoked.

Taste and organoleptic sensations of the smoked cigarettes of the first,second and control batches were evaluated in terms of the flavoringlevel. No change in flavor of the control batch cigarettes was noted,whereas substantial change in flavor of both the first and second batchcigarettes was observed, as well as the improved efficiency of tobaccosmoke cleaning.

EXAMPLE 3

Seventy filter-tipped cigarettes were used, having the porous filteringmember in the form of acetate fiber tow and provided with a plasticmouthpiece. Ten cigarettes of the said seventy cigarettes were kept as acontrol batch.

The ratio of 1:3 was established between tubular and ampoule-typecapsules. The remaining sixty cigarettes were divided into the firstbatch (30 cigarettes) and the second batch (30 cigarettes).

Cigarettes of the first batch were provided with a tubular capsulecontaining a flavoring agent in the form of a gas-vapor compositioncomprising 40% of eucalyptus ester in freon gas, said capsule beingmounted in the porous filtering member on the part of the filter endabutting on the tobacco core. Then, an axial recess was made in theporous filtering member on the mouthpiece part, wherein threeampoule-type capsules were placed one after another. The relative volumechange between said capsules was adjusted based on the following ratio:70%: 25% : 5% starting with the first ampoule-type capsule. A waterproofpaper impregnated from the inside with a thin layer of low densitypolyethylene was used as the filter casing.

Cigarettes of the second batch were provided with a first ampoule-typecapsule containing a flavoring agent in the form of a gas-vaporcomposition comprising 50 percent by volume of camomile in freon gas,said capsule being axially mounted in the porous filtering member on thepart of the filter end abutting on the tobacco core, whereafter a secondampoule-type capsule, comprising 40 percent by volume of spearmint infreon gas, and a third ampoule-type capsule was mounted, comprising 80percent by volume of rosemary in freon gas was sequentially mounted.Then, a tubular capsule containing 32 percent by volume of distilledwater was placed in said porous filtering member on the filter oralpart. A waterproof paper coated from the inside with a fluoroplasticfilm was used as the filter casing.

Then, ten cigarettes of the control batch were smoked.

Before smoking of the 15 first batch cigarettes, one tubular capsule ineach cigarette was unsealed with the force of 40 grams exerted on thefilters at the capsule location.

Said first ampoule-type capsules in each 5 first batch cigarettes wereunsealed with the force of 20 grams exerted on the filter casing. Onethird length of each cigarette tobacco core having been smoked, saidsecond ampoule-type capsules were unsealed with the force of 30 gramsexerted on the location thereof. Two thirds length of each cigarettetobacco core having been smoked, said third ampoule-type capsules wereunsealed, as well as said first ampoule-type capsules in those 10cigarettes wherein it has not been done at the beginning of the smokingprocess. Thereafter, all 15 cigarettes were smoked to the end.

Tubular capsules of the other 15 first batch cigarettes were unsealedbefore smoking, as well as said 10 first ampoule-type capsules,whereafter one third length of the tobacco core was smoked, smoking wasstopped and said third ampoule-type capsules and the remaining 5 firstampoule-type capsules were unsealed with the force of 95 grams exertedon the location thereof. Then, two thirds length of the tobacco core wassmoked and all said second ampoule-type capsules were unsealed followedby smoking of all the remaining first batch cigarettes.

Before smoking of the second batch cigarettes, one tubular capsule ineach cigarette was unsealed with the force of 50 grams exerted on thefilters at the location thereof. In doing so, the ampoule-type capsulesin only five second batch cigarettes were unsealed with the force of 30grams exerted on the filter. Half-length of each cigarette tobacco corehaving been smoked, five more ampoule-type capsules were unsealed withthe force of 30 grams exerted on the location thereof. Two thirds lengthof the tobacco core having been smoked, the remaining five ampoule-typecapsules were unsealed, whereafter the cigarettes were smoked to theend.

Before smoking of the remaining 15 second batch cigarettes, said firstampoule-type capsule was unsealed in each cigarette with the force of 30grams exerted on the location thereof, and then half-length of thetobacco core was smoked. Next, smoking was stopped and said secondampoule-type capsule was unsealed with the force of 45 grams exerted onthe location thereof. Two thirds length of the tobacco core having beensmoked, said third ampoule-type capsule and the tubular capsule wasunsealed. Then, these cigarettes were smoked to the end.

Finally, the remaining five cigarettes of the control batch were smoked.

Taste and organoleptic sensations of the smoked cigarettes wereevaluated in terms of the flavoring level, showing that as against thecontrol batch, the smoker is enabled to change consequentially thetobacco smoke flavor, for example, from the camomile flavor to therosemary flavor along with improving the efficiency of cleaning of smokefrom the harmful components.

EXAMPLE 4

Sixty filter-tipped cigarettes were selected such that the weightdifferences do not exceed 0.5 mg.

Non-used filters of five cigarettes of said batch were detached andweighed, and 15 cigarettes were kept as a reference batch.

Four indents in the form of circular grooves were made then in thefilters of each of the remaining 40 cigarettes, with the total volume ofsaid indents accounting for 40% of the first filtering member volume.Four tubular capsules were placed in said circular grooves, said tubularcapsules having the relative volume change of 45%: 35%: 15%: 5% startingwith the first tubular capsule proximal to the tobacco core. Said firsttubular capsule had a body made of gold foil, with three V-shapednotches provided on the outer surface of said body wherein 70 percent byvolume of deionized water is contained. Said second tubular capsule hada body made of polyethylene, with a H-shaped notch provided on the innersurface of said body wherein 42 percent by volume of distilled water iscontained. Said third capsule had a body made of faience, with aspherical notch provided on the inner surface of said body wherein 95percent by volume of distilled water is contained. Said fourth capsulehad a body made of polypropylene, with two U-shaped notches provided onthe outer surface of said body wherein 90 percent by volume of distilledwater is contained. The filter paper casing was made waterproof by anyof the commonly known methods, in particular, by rendering ithydrophobic by means of impregnation of the same from the inside with athin layer of paraffin.

On the filter oral end part, a mouthpiece was mounted underneath saidfilter casing, with a sintered magnet weighing 1.8 to 2.0 mg beingpreviously mounted at said mouthpiece central structural member.

Next, 20 modified cigarettes having the perforation holes in theconnection area of the tobacco core and the filter covered with theadhesive tape were selected of the batch of 40 cigarettes. Suchcigarettes were used as a control batch allowing to evaluatesubsequently the influence which the modified filter with no perforationholes provided in the filter casing has had on the tobacco smokecleaning stability over time.

Then, the modified cigarettes were weighed again and three portions ofthe same length were marked out in the tobacco core wrapper.

Similarly, three portions of the same length were marked out in thecontrol batch cigarette wrappers.

Further, the smoking mode was established in the automatic smokingmachine as described with reference to Example 1, and smoking of thecigarettes of the reference, control and experimental batches wasstarted.

Reference Batch

One third initial length of the tobacco core was “smoked” of the firstfive cigarettes of the reference batch, whereafter the used filters weredetached from the tobacco cores and weighed.

Then, two thirds initial length of the tobacco core was “smoked” of thenext five cigarettes of the reference batch, whereafter the used filterswere detached from the tobacco cores and weighed.

The remaining five cigarettes of the reference batch were “smoked” tocomplete thermal decomposition of the tobacco core, whereafter the usedfilters were detached from the tobacco cores and weighed.

Weighing of the used cigarette filters of the reference batch showedthat with the average weight of the completely smoked cigarette tobaccosmoke filtrate being equal to 5.9 mg, the reference cigarette filter ischaracterized by rather unstable cleaning efficiency values over time,approximating to a non-linear dependence by its nature.

Thus, the averaged weight of the tobacco smoke filtrate found in theused filters after weighing was equal to 0.9 mg for the cigarettesmoked” to one third length of its tobacco core.

For the cigarette “smoked” to two thirds length of its tobacco core,this average value was equal to 2.0 mg.

The tobacco smoke filtrate weight at the third (thermal decompositionterminating) “smoking” stage averaged “3.9 mg.

With a stable tobacco smoke filtration rate, its filtrate weight at eachof the one third lengths of the tobacco core has to average about 2 mg.As seen from the above results, unstable tobacco smoke filtration rateof the reference batch cigarettes was observed.

Control Batch

The automatic smoking machine with the same parameters set according toISO 4387, control batch cigarettes provided with four tubular capsuleswith the perforation holes covered with the adhesive tape were smokedduring five consequent cycles, four cigarettes in each cycle.

Thus, at the first stage of each cycle, one third length of the tobaccocore was smoked in seven cigarettes, two thirds length of the tobaccocore was smoked in seven cigarettes at the second stage, and the wholetobacco core was smoked in six cigarettes at the third stage.

Before loading the control batch cigarettes into the automatic smokingmachine, tubular capsules thereof were unsealed by exerting thefollowing forces on the filter casing: 30 grams exerted on the fourthtubular capsule location during the first cycle; 38 grams exerted on thethird tubular capsule location during the second cycle; 65 grams exertedon the second tubular capsule location during the third cycle; 90 gramsexerted on the first tubular capsule location during the fourth cycle;95 grams exerted during the fifth cycle, thereby essentiallysimultaneously unsealing all tubular capsules in the filter.

Further study of the stage-wise accumulation of filtrate from the usedfilters tobacco smoke was carried out for all five cycles by weighingperformed according to the technique applied above to the referencebatch, showing that the tobacco smoke cleaning stability in the controlbatch is within 7% on average for any of the five selected levels.

Experimental Batch

Finally, the automatic smoking machine with the same parameters setaccording to ISO4387, experimental batch cigarettes provided with fourtubular capsules each having the perforation holes were smoked duringfive consequent cycles, four cigarettes in each cycle.

Thus, at the first stage of each cycle, one third length of the tobaccocore was smoked in seven cigarettes, two thirds length of the tobaccocore was smoked in seven cigarettes at the second stage, and the wholetobacco core was smoked in six cigarettes at the third stage.

Before loading the experimental batch cigarettes into the automaticsmoking machine, tubular capsules thereof were unsealed by exerting thefollowing forces on the filter casing: 35 grams exerted on the fourthtubular capsule location during the first cycle; 15 grams exerted on thethird tubular capsule location during the second cycle; 85 grams exertedon the second tubular capsule location during the third cycle; 58 gramsexerted on the first tubular capsule location during the fourth cycle;95 grams exerted during the fifth cycle, thereby essentiallysimultaneously unsealing all tubular capsules in the filter.

Further study of the stage-wise accumulation of filtrate from the usedfilters tobacco smoke was carried out for all five cycles by weighingperformed according to the technique applied above to the referencebatch, showing that the tobacco smoke cleaning stability in theexperimental batch is within 24% on average for any of the five selectedlevels.

The above examples of the particular embodiments of the inventiondemonstrate modifications of the invention and advantages provided bythe use of such filters, which will positively influence the consumerproperties of the inventive filter-tipped cigarette.

Therefore, in addition to the wide range of noxious, toxic, mutagenicand cancerogenic tobacco smoke components extracted and immobilized inthe cigarette filter, the present technical solution is characterized byenabling the smoker himself to choose the level of filtration.

At the same time, while selecting the places of force at the surface ofthe filter casing, which may be specially marked as related to theindication of the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning, the smoker isenabled to choose knowingly the level of his or her subjectiveorganoleptic sensations produced by the smoking process.

While the invention has been discussed in detail with reference to theparticular preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are alsopossible. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to thepreferred embodiments described herein.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

1. A filter-tipped cigarette comprising: a tobacco core; a casingwherein said tobacco core is contained; a filter having: an end proximalto said tobacco core end, by which proximal end said filter is connectedto said tobacco core; an end distal to said tobacco core end; alongitudinal axis; an outer surface; a first filtering member in theform of a filament tow formed by a filter material; a second filteringmember provided within said first filtering member, said secondfiltering member comprising a distributed system of water-resistantcasings; said water-resistant casings in the form of tubular and/orampoule-type capsules caused to rupture upon mechanical force is exertedexternally thereon; each of said tubular capsules having an outersurface and an inner surface; each of said ampoule-type capsules havingan outer surface and an inner surface; a liquid nucleus disposed withineach of said tubular and/or ampoule-type capsules, wherein said secondfiltering member has a volume within the range from 3 to 75 percent byvolume of said first filtering member.
 2. A cigarette as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said tubular and/or ampoule-type capsules contain waterand/or flavoring agent as said liquid nucleus.
 3. A cigarette as claimedin claim 2, wherein the content of said aromatic substance in saidtubular and/or ampoule-type capsules is within the range from 40 to 98percent by volume, and the content of water is within the range from 32to 98 percent by volume.
 4. A cigarette as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid second filtering member comprises at least one said ampoule-typecapsule and at least one said tubular capsule, said tubular capsulebeing arranged coaxially with said filter, and said ampoule-type capsulebeing arranged along said longitudinal axis of said filter in the areawhere said tubular capsule is arranged.
 5. A cigarette as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said second filtering member comprises at least oneampoule-type capsule and at least one tubular capsule, which capsulesare displaced relative to each other along said longitudinal axis ofsaid filter such that one of said capsules is provided adjacent to saidproximal end of said filter and the other capsule is provided adjacentto said distal end thereof.
 6. A cigarette as claimed in claim 4,wherein said tubular capsule has the length of 11 to 89% of said filterlength.
 7. A cigarette as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondfiltering member comprises a system of said ampoule-type capsules havingdifferent volume and arranged along said longitudinal axis of saidfilter such that said ampoule-type capsule volumes vary in decreasingorder from said proximal end of said filter towards said distal end ofsaid filter.
 8. A cigarette as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondfilter member comprises a system of said tubular capsules havingdifferent flow section and arranged along said longitudinal axis of saidfilter such that said tubular capsule flow section varies in decreasingorder from said proximal end of said filter towards said distal end ofsaid filter.
 9. A cigarette as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratiobetween the number of said tubular capsules and the number of saidampoule-type capsules is within the range from 1:1 to 1:10.
 10. Acigarette as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio between the totalvolume of said tubular capsules and the total volume of saidampoule-type capsules is within the range from 0.05 to
 14. 11. Acigarette as claimed in claim 7, wherein the increment of saidampoule-type capsule volume is within the range from 5 to 25%.
 12. Acigarette as claimed in claim 8, wherein the increment of said tubularcapsule volume is within the range from 5 to 25%.
 13. A cigarette asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said outer and/or said inner side of eachsaid ampoule-type and/or said tubular capsule is provided with at leastone notching to enable unsealing of said capsule upon mechanical forcevarying from 20 to 95 grams is exerted externally thereon.
 14. Acigarette as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer surface of saidfilter is provided with at least one marker to indicate the position ofsaid ampoule-type and/or said tubular capsules.
 15. A cigarette asclaimed in claim 1, comprising a mouthpiece connected to said end ofsaid filter being distal to said tobacco core.
 16. A cigarette asclaimed in claim 15, wherein said mouthpiece contains a catalyst, saidcatalyst preferably containing a platinum-group metal.
 17. A cigaretteas claimed in claim 15, wherein said mouthpiece contains at least onecast, sintered or composite magnet.
 18. A cigarette as claimed in claim1, wherein metal, polymer or ceramics is used as a material for saidampoule-type and/or said tubular capsules.
 19. A cigarette as claimed inclaim 18, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting ofaluminum, tantalum, silver, gold, platinum.
 20. A cigarette as claimedin claim 18, wherein said polymer is selected from the group consistingof polypropylene, polystyrene, low density polyethylene.
 21. A cigaretteas claimed in claim 18, wherein said ceramics is selected from the groupconsisting of faience, porcelain, glass ceramics.
 22. A cigarette asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said flavoring agent contains water and afragrance comprising natural flavors and/or flavors identical to naturalflavors, in the following wt. % ratio of components: natural flavorsand/or flavors identical to natural flavors −3 to 78, water −22 to 97.23. A cigarette as claimed in claim 22, wherein said flavors identicalto natural flavors are synthesized on the basis of alc-4Z-en-1-ols ofthe general formula:

where R═_(H-)C₆H₁₃, H—C₈H₁₇, H—C₉H₁₉